Another coup? Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou witnesses heavy gunfire at main military camp. Here’s what happened

On Friday, heavy gunfire was heard from the main military camp and a few residential areas of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. A large blast was also heard close to the presidential palace, sparking mutiny fears, as per media reports.

What measures were taken?

The soldiers have taken up positions on the road leading to the presidency and blocked people from entering the administrative buildings. Access was blocked to the national television, which stopped their broadcast.
But, it is still unclear if this was a coup attempt or not. Damiba was to hold a press conference on Friday afternoon to brief about the security plans and recent attacks. However, his whereabouts were unknown that morning.

Burkina Faso takeover

Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba had led a military junta to take over the power in Burkina Faso on January 24. It was broadly welcomed by the civilians, who were fed up with the government of former President Roch Kabore due to their inability to rein in Islamist militants.

The rising attacks

The attacks by Islamist militants have worsened, and the army rank and file are in disarray. Some unknown assailants killed 11 soldiers this week, and fifty civilians are missing. Civilians have suffered as militants have blockaded northern areas, but the government convoys and airdrops deliver essential items to them.

Thousands have been killed, and millions have left their homes since the country became ungovernable in 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Where did the violence spread?
The violence began in Mali in 2012 but since then, Burkina Faso has become the epicentre and spread across the expanse of the Sahel region.

2. Where else have the coups been seen?
Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad and Mali have witnessed coups since 2020.